Ford Windstar Minivans | Wagons

Ford Windstar Minivans | Wagons 

DESCRIPTION

The Windstar is powered by a 150-hp 3.0-liter V-6 or a 200-hp 3.8-liter V-6. Both come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. It sits up to 7 passengers and ABS comes standard.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 61-70 of 338  
[Jul 23, 2003]
tony asciolla
Model Reviewed: windstar

Strength:

space , great in winter driving , handles very well.

Weakness:

non to report yet

just this morning july 23rd , 2003 i brought in my windstar for transmission problem. i am told it is a very big job. thank God for the warranty which will expire in 1 month. i bought the ford w/star mainly because i still have a ford 1988 bronco which turned out to be gold. i am having second thoughts now by reading all the reviews and thinking after repairs should i sell it and buy an import car. i cannot beleive that at 59000 kms i must have my tranmission possibly rebuilt. this is crazy and by reading all the reviews transmission problems go back several years. i was asked if the 50000km service was done and i answered no because it is very expensive and they then present you with a list of problems to be fixed which in dollar amounts exceeds the 300.00 inspection . up to now i did not find it to be a money pit but i am starting to worry.

Similar Products Used:

bronco 1988 with minor wear and tear problems but never a big problem at 59000kms like on my windstar.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jul 17, 2003]
piggy

Strength:

good gas milege 18/26

Weakness:

head gasket, pulleys,serpentine belt,timing chains,door sensors

Recently I have had a problem with my Windstar. I have recently replaced the head gaskets, and couple other gaskets, replaced the alternator, replaced rear and front brakes, pulleys and belts. Timing Chain and serpentine belt 4 times. I have had the car to the ford service department many times since Jan. 03 and on this past Monday is was back in again for the chirping noise in the front end. They did discover that the pulley they put in was off. Well, next day chirping is back. Guess where it is going, back to the service department after I pick it up from getting the barakes done. I also had problems with the door indicator light on so I sprayed some lubricant on the contacts and that works good. So if anyone else has that same problem don't wasted your money, spray the contacts yourself. Because Ford will make you pay for their famous dianostic testing. I am very frustrated with my service department. I feel their mechanics have no clue what they are doing. Ford Co. doesn't care either as I have called them.

Similar Products Used:

Ford torinos, Dodge Charger, mercury, Plymouth Voyagers

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
[Jun 29, 2003]
slbenz

Strength:

Cargo capacity. Features.

Weakness:

Failed power doors (nine times), transmission failure at 29K, noisy, floaty ride. Coarse sounding engine. Terrible reliability and poor customer service from local dealer.

What a piece of junk! You should avoid a Windstar at all costs. Purchased mine new back in 1999. In 2003, with 29,100 miles on it, the transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. During my four years of ownership, the power sliding doors gave me problems a total of nine times!! Several of those times, the doors would not close properly. At freeway speeds, the van is excessively loud. You will not be able to carry a conversation with a passenger in the third row without shouting. My sound level meter registered 74dB. That's the same as a Saturn SL2 and Acura Integra that I used to own. Both small cars known to be noisy at speed. Ford dealers in my area are not helpful and very lacking in knowledge in how to repair their own products. You are better off buying a reliable product from Honda, Mazda or Toyota instead. Ride with the Windstar is like a large boat that lists from side to side going into any turn. That's what happens when there is only one anti-roll bar trying to keep a 4200lbs+ vehicle from rolling over. Gas mileage is terrible. I can't even come close to the rated 17/23 mpg. Reality is 16/20 mpg and that including a K&N drop-in filter. I was glad to sell the van recently. Will never buy another Ford product again.

Similar Products Used:

Honda Odyssey, Mazda MPV, Toyota Sienna

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Jun 01, 2003]
kimohardy
Model Reviewed: GL

Strength:

Roomy, good power, comfortable.

Weakness:

noise, manueverability.

We have been lucky with the Windstar, judging by the majority of reviews. We bought new and are not at 150,000 miles. The only non-routine work has been a new steering unit - it went out too early, around 70,000. The van still looks good, not falling apart. However, it is pretty loud at highway speeds and certainly not nimble.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jun 01, 2003]
Al MacMillan
Model Reviewed: Windstar 3.8l

I would like to hear from other '98 Windstar owners with 3.8L engine, I am primarily interested in gas mileage. I have been told Ford claims 30mpg Hwy and 20mpg city (Imp.Gal.)Please help. Thank you.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[May 20, 2003]
Petal
Model Reviewed: Fored Windstar SE

Strength:

Child mirror Dual sliding doors Second row captains chairs overhead condole rear back up sensors easy to remove seats keyless entry

Weakness:

trunk isnt power

Purachased used with 40,00 miles and love it! gets great gas mileage, looks great nad easy to manuver espically with the rear sensors that beep when youa re backing into something. We have the dual power rear doors and have had no problems, yes the engine is alittle noisy when you are outside but you cant hear it inside so its not a problem...overall we love it and my husband wil only allow us to drive Fords and Hondas after owning this van. ( it used to be only Hondas) We cant wait for Ford to come out with a Gas/Electric hybrid model! We wil bethe first ones in line to order one.

Similar Products Used:

Dodge caravan

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 20, 2003]
bhoskins
Model Reviewed: Ford Windstar SE

Weakness:

Terrible customer service from Ford. Weak transmission design. Defective plastic intake air manifold

For 48 months this car provided excellent performance and fine options except for the three recalls and the electrical problems with one of the side doors. The low interest financing program from Ford worked out great. However the week the car was paid for we took it in for its first California Smog test. It failed at 32,621 miles. Since it was a year out of warrantee we had to pay for the labor to repair a defective intake manifold. Ford agreed to pay for the parts. When the Ford dealership mechanic took the car on a test drive, the transmission failed. Ford wanted $2400 to replace it denying any responsibility for its failure despite its low milage and the fact it failed while in the dealers posession. Ford cusotmer service refuses to refer me to someone who can do anything other than read a script. Analysis by an independent transmission specialist who repaired the unit found a defective planetary gear train and no sign of misuse or neglect. $2055.00 fixed the problem

Similar Products Used:

Plymouth Voyager Honda Odyssey

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
2
[May 20, 2003]
Pedro

Strength:

The design of having two sliding side doors is a great idea. Enjoyable and roomy on a trip.

Weakness:

Sliding side doors electrical problems. Noisey engine, transmission shifting is not smooth.

In November 2002 I purchased a 2000 Ford Windstar Mini Van to replace an ailing pick up truck. We have five (5) grandchildren. My wife does a lot of cheauffering of the grandchildren around town. Many problems with the electical side sliding doors on both sides, driver's seat and outside mirrors not working. After many trips to the dealership, problem still exists. Must be a design problem. Noisey engine. Transmission shifts in a jerky motion.

Similar Products Used:

First time for a mini-van.

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
2
[May 17, 2003]
Victoria
Model Reviewed: Ford Windstar

Strength:

Safety features, interior/exterior quality, car like ride, very easy handling, perfect entrance/exit height, attractive, dependable and well built.

Weakness:

Would like a bigger engine (2004 Freestar will have one), better color selection, would love a sun roof (if safety standards would permit)

Execellent van. Easy handling and solid feel on the road. Spacious, car like ride, easy access to controls. Traction Control is wonderful - great for driving in snow and wet roads. Safety features are abundant. Tons of cargo space especially with a back seat(s) removed. Passenger and pet friendly. This is my fourth Windstar and none of them have disappointed me yet. I recommend it without reservation.

Similar Products Used:

Chrysler Town & Country (gorgeous car but many mechanical problems)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 16, 2003]
Billy

Strength:

Nice looking van for the money.

Weakness:

Problems I will hopefully never incur.

I have not yet had any major problems with this van. I only got it because my wife liked the way it looked and I had to get rid of a GM product that is known for defects. Thanx to this web site maybe I can get rid of this before I pay dearly. My van had 81000mi on it when I bought it and now has 88000mi on it.What is ford thinking. I have owned over twenty cars and have had more problems with GM. Ford really needs to take care of this. Even though it is too late for the most part. Thanx for voicing your opinions. I will check this site before I buy my next car.

Similar Products Used:

Dodge caravan.

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
Showing 61-70 of 338  

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